Bookcase and Writing Desk c. 1936

Henry Meyer’s ‘Bookcase and Writing Desk’ shimmers with the subtle strokes of watercolor on paper. I can almost imagine Meyer meticulously layering thin washes of pink and brown, conjuring the wood grain with a delicate touch. What was he thinking about as he worked? Was he lost in the rhythm of rendering the intricate details, the knobs and grooves? There’s something so satisfying about the simple geometry of the drawers and window panes, the careful placement of each line. The muted palette and the precision of the architectural drawing, brings to mind the work of Agnes Martin, another artist with a love of lines. Painters have always looked to furniture, domestic objects, and architectural forms for inspiration, each discovering their own distinct style and approach. This piece invites us to consider the beauty of functional design and the quiet pleasure of close observation.